But wait! Was it all a prank? A spokeswoman for the venue where Brand was due to play says the comedian never left LA.

"I think he's trying to be witty about the whole thing, but it really was just a plane issue, it wasn't a customs issue at all," said Casino Rama spokesperson Jenna Hunter.

The venue's Twitter account said, "Ok all, let's be clear, @rustyrockets is still in Cali, he never left, he has no immigration or border issue, it was a tech issue with plane!"

Brand was deported from Japan earlier this year because of his criminal record. He has been arrested 12 times, including his most recent run-in with police after being accused of battery by a photographer who got a little too close to his lady.

He was denied entry to the United States in 2008 for an appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman for similar reasons, although he seems to have cleared that up.